Dopamine DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A and DAT1 VNTR polymorphisms are associated with a cognitive flexibility profile in pathological gamblers.

Like drug addiction, pathological gambling (PG) has been associated with impairments in executive functions and alterations in dopaminergic functioning; however, the role of dopamine (DA) in the executive profile of PG remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify whether the DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A-rs1800497 and the DAT1-40 bp VNTR polymorphisms are associated with cognitive flexibility (measured by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Trail Making Test (TMT)) and inhibition response (measured by Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT)), in a clinical sample of 69 PG patients. Our results showed an association between DA functioning and cognitive flexibility performance.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease: a pilot controlled study.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and differences in response to treatment of two groups of pathological gamblers: with comorbid Parkinson's disease (PG + PD) and without (PG - PD).

Methods: Clinical and psychopathological profiles and response to cognitive-behavioral treatment were assessed in 15 PG + PD and 45 PG - PD individuals consulting a specialized hospital Unit.

Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups on a series of clinical variables.

Correlates of motivation to change in pathological gamblers completing cognitive-behavioral group therapy.

Objectives: The present study analyzes the association between the motivation to change and the cognitive-behavioral group intervention, in terms of dropouts and relapses, in a sample of male pathological gamblers. The specific objectives were as follows: (a) to estimate the predictive value of baseline University of Rhode Island Change Assessment scale (URICA) scores (i.e.

Motivation to change and pathological gambling: analysis of the relationship with clinical and psychopathological variables.

OBJECTIVES. The present study analyses the internal factor structure of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) Scale in pathological gambling (PG). The scale's association with the clinical profile of patients is also evaluated.

Effect of executive functioning, decision-making and self-reported impulsivity on the treatment outcome of pathologic gambling.

Background: Impairments in self-regulatory behaviour reflect a deficit in executive functioning and decision-making, as well as higher levels of self-reported impulsivity, and may be involved in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders. We sought to explore the association between self-reported impulsivity and neurocognitive measures, and their association with treatment outcome in pathologic gambling.

Methods: We assessed patients with pathologic gambling using executive functioning and decision-making tests and self-report measures of impulsivity.

Sex differences among treatment-seeking adult pathologic gamblers.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of sex as a moderator variable for gambling and clinical profiles in a large sample of Spanish treatment-seeking patients for pathologic gambling (PG).

Method: Clinical and personality profiles were compared between 143 male and 143 female pathologic gamblers who sought consultation at a specialized hospital unit. Multiple regressions explored the incremental predictive accuracy of sex on PG severity in consideration of sociodemographic and psychologic characteristics.